In this episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff speaks with Steph—a mother of eight whose birth experiences stretch across continents and care models. From hospitals in the U.S. to birth centres and home births here in Australia, Steph’s story weaves together moments of trauma, empowerment, and deep resilience.

They talk through what it’s really like to give birth eight times under vastly different systems, how care providers can shape an experience for better or worse, and the incredible responsibility midwives carry in holding space for families. It’s an emotional, powerful conversation that highlights just how critical compassionate, individualised care is in the world of birth.

(01:30) Steph's First Pregnancy Experience
(03:38) Discovering Birth Centres and Midwifery
(05:40) First Birth: A Natural Water Birth
(08:00) Challenges with the Medical System
(13:55) Transition to Australian Midwifery
(15:14) Settling in Australia and Finding a Midwife
(18:01) Navigating the Canberra Birth Centre
(18:34) Navigating Birth Centre Challenges
(19:01) Hiring a Doula for Support
(19:25) Meeting the OB and Facing Induction Pressure
(20:16) Overdue and Under Pressure
(21:02) Labor and Delivery at the Birth Center
(23:07) Midwife's Indifference and Its Impact
(25:10) Reflecting on Birth Experiences
(26:09) Qualities of a Good Midwife
(28:22) Challenges Faced by Modern Midwives
(32:27) Empowering Women in Birth

Thanks for listening, for more resources and support relating to today's episode check out these links:

https://www.collectivebeing.org/

https://blueknot.org.au/

https://blueknot.org.au/supporters/self-care-for-supporters/

https://nursemidwifehpa.org.au/our-program/peer-support-service-explained

https://www.nmsupport.org.au

https://www.anmf.org.au/

https://www.nmsupport.org.au/managers-employers-and-educators/Navigating-the-notification-process

https://pynkhealth.com.au/psychologist-for-trauma

https://ntgcounselling.com.au/contact/

Griefline 1300 845 745

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline Australia

Hours: Available 24 hours

Call 13 11 14 or Text 0477 13 11 14

Midwifery Birth Trauma Support by Jess The Midwife

Instagram - @jess.themidwife

To buy your copy of Midwife Crisis: From Trust to Trauma visit: midwifecrisis.com.au

Follow Kelli on Instagram: @kellizak